What do I do about my child's fever?

Fever is defined as > 100.5 degrees rectally.  

Mild elevations in temperature can occur with exercise, hot weather or excessive clothing, so it is sometimes helpful to correct any of these issues and recheck the temperature in thirty minutes.

Fever is the body's normal response to infection.  It is probably helpful in fighting the infection. 

The usual fevers that children get range from 100 to 104 and are not harmful to the child.  (Fevers must reach 107 or 108 to cause permanent harm).  Most are due to viral illnesses; some are due to bacterial illnesses.  Most fevers due to viral illness last 1 to 3 days.

In cases of high fevers, the underlying illness causing the fever has the potential to be more damaging than the fever itself. That is why your doctor will ask you several questions about your childs overall condition when helping you to decide how to best manage the fever.

While high fevers or rapid changes in temperature can cause convulsions in a few children, these are generally harmless.

It is important to note the other symptoms associated with the fever.

Call the physician for fevers associated with the following symptoms of conditions:

CALL IMMEDIATELY

1. If your child is under two months of age.
2. Fever over 105 degrees
3. Inconsolable crying
4. A child who cries if moved or touched
5. Your child is difficult to awaken
6. A child with a stiff neck (cannot touch his chin to his chest)
7. Purple spots on the skin
8. Difficulty breathing (after clearing the nose)
9. A convulsion has occurred
10. The child is acting extremely sick

Call during office hours

1. If your child has burning with urination
2. If the fever lasts more than 72 hours
3. If the fever is gone for more than 24 hours but then returns
4. Your child is between two and six months old (unless the fever is  due to a shot)
5. There are other symptoms such as ear pain or  sore throat that concern you

You may give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort associated with fever, but be aware that the childs illness will not resolve more quickly if you give these medicines.  In fact, the fever itself may help viral illnesses to improve more rapidly. We do recommend treating a temperature over 101 degrees to keep the child more comfortable so they will keep drinking fluids.

Children can become dehydrated with a fever if they are not drinking.  It is okay if they do not have an appetite. Children must stay home from school and daycare until their temperature has been under 100.5 degrees without medication for 24 hours. Be careful to follow dosage instructions carefully, as these medicines may be very harmful if given too frequently or in higher doses.